Super blogging resources!

- stephanie

So, your’s truly was invited to contribute my Time Management e-book to the Genius Blogger’s Toolkit available from Ultimate Bundles. Pretty neato, if I must say so myself!

The Toolkit consists of a gigantic bundle of tools and resources for bloggers of all levels from newbies to advanced. If you purchased each item individually, it would cost you over $5,000. Phew! I don’t know about you, but mama can’t afford that. However, if you get in on it during the 6 day sales period, you get all this loot for only $97.

Before you click away, thinking “this isn’t for me… I”m not a blogger,” let me ask you this:

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The practical aspects of disappointment

- stephanie 1 Comment

(this is a follow-up to my post on the mindfulness of disappointment – read that HERE)

In my last post, I discussed how to reframe feelings of failure when you get turned down for an opportunity. While I’m specifically talking about juried exhibits and gallery shows, the advice can apply to more: job applications… promotions… product launches… any situation where you put yourself out there and it doesn’t turn out as you hoped.

In this post, I wanted to talk about some of the more practical aspects of the “you just got turned down” situation. Understanding these aspects can further help you get past feelings of disappointment and back to trying.

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2017: the year of slow sewing

- stephanie

Embroidery detail - the year of slow sewing | www.creativeandmindful.comI’ve written a couple of times about slow sewing/slow crafting here at Creative + Mindful. (HERE and HERE if you’d like to read) But in the last couple of months, I’ve felt this incredible pull toward doing more than just dabbling.

Much as I love my sewing machine (ok, ok… you got me… machineS), I’ve had this feeling of “meh” when I think about modern sewing lately. Each time I look at my fabric stash, I dream about hand stitching something versus pulling out the machine. Read more

Creative Heroes: Karen LePage

- stephanie 1 Comment
Creative Hero: Karen LePage | www.creativeandmindful.com

(Looking for some background on the Creative Heroes series? Check out my intro post HERE!)

I’ve decided to take a break from the Creative Heroes series after today’s post. But it’s a wonderful interview to end things on! Without further ado, I’d like to introduce Karen LePage…

I haven’t known Karen for very long, but after meeting her at Sew Pro in September 2016, she quickly became one of my favorite people. She’s sweet and friendly and has a really fascinating background. Plus she does lovely work.

It should come as no surprise that some big names – such as Alison Glass, Heather Givans and Carrie Bloomston – have been eager to collaborate with her. Read more

Slow sewing

- stephanie
Examples in slow sewing | www.creativeandmindful.com

I’m all for racing my way through a sewing project to get it done. Chain piecing, rotary cutting, machine stitching… it’s all good. Especially when you quickly finish something wonderful and can proudly admire your work.

But there is also something so, so satisfying about slow sewing. Hand stitching, embroidery, cross stitch. Handwork like these is a mindful practice. A meditation, almost.  Read more

Creative Heroes: Jocelyn K. Glei

- stephanie 2 Comments

(Looking for some background on the Creative Heroes series? Check out my intro post HERE!)

This week’s Creative Hero may be familiar to you if you’ve read the 99U series that includes: Manage Your Day-To-Day, Make Your Mark, and Maximize Your Potential.

As the founding editor of 99U, Jocelyn Glei was responsible for those books. I’m quite certain they have made a big impact on the work and lives of many creative people. Yours truly devoured them when they came out and they continue to be very popular – with excellent reviews! – on Amazon.

If you’re not familiar with Jocelyn, I’ve added her bio at the end of the interview. For now, I’ll just say that she’s a smart and interesting person who writes about work and creativity in the Age of Distraction (yes, I stole that tag line from her website).

Last week she launched her new book, called Unsubscribe. As I expected, it is brilliantly written and provides some excellent advice on dealing with the time-sucking monster known as email. Read more